Amber Bai is an emergency group shift leader in the hot rolling mill at Tenaris’s manufacturing center in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. Her job is to make sure operations run smoothly, troubleshoot and resolve maintenance challenges, and perform necessary interventions safely. “In simple terms, my job is to make our mill available and reliable.”
Originally from China, Amber came to Canada in 2011 as an international high school student before starting the electrical engineering program at Sault College and joining Tenaris in 2024.
“I see many opportunities for my career path at Tenaris. In the future, I can branch out and challenge myself to learn in different areas. I believe Tenaris offers many possibilities when you are willing to push yourself and work toward it.”
In her role, she learns something new every day. “Since I’ve been at Tenaris, not a single day has gone by that I haven’t learned something new, whether it be about cranes, electrical, mechanical or production. Sometimes I learn it from others, and sometimes I learn from my mistakes. In the end, I always go home with the pride that I am a little smarter than yesterday."
“I see many opportunities for my career path at Tenaris." Amber Bai
For Amber, a typical day begins with reviewing shift reports, which is crucial following a shift change. “A lot can happen over the five days I am off, so it’s important for me to stay updated on any developments that will help in the upcoming shift.”
While her day may start typically, each day is unique, and maintenance emergencies can come up at any moment. “It can be anything from solving issues up in a crane or down in a grease pit. When the mill calls, you go.”
In her view, strong leaders ensure their employees have the resources to do their jobs effectively and efficiently, keep an open mind when communicating, and challenge convention. “It starts with simply asking: Is there a better way to do what we just did?”
“By making sure my team members have the proper tools available and know where to turn for safety documents, work instructions or questions, it sets us up to do the job quicker and better so we can minimize downtime.”
When asked to give advice to those looking to develop their leadership skills, Amber’s stance was clear. “Leadership is defined through the examples you set. Your team sees what you do and grows through the actions you take. If you sit at your desk all day, they will do the same. If you take accountability, learn from past mistakes and challenge yourself to find better ways to do things, they will do the same. Verbal delivery is not enough. You have to lead by example.”
In her free time, Amber enjoys traveling and hopes to visit one new country each year. Those closest to her know she loves a good book, but only when she can find uninterrupted time to read. “I like to sit down with a cup of coffee and take a few hours to read fantasy and romance novels.”
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“Leadership is defined through the examples you set." Amber Bai